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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:9-15

It is strange that David did not immediately upon the defeat and dispersion of Absalom's forces march with all expedition back to Jerusalem, to regain the possession of his capital city, while the rebels were in confusion and before they could rally again. What occasion was there to bring him back? Could not he himself go back with the victorious army he had with him in Gilead? He could, no doubt; but, 1. He would go back as a prince, with the consent and unanimous approbation of the people,... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:16-23

Perhaps Jordan was never passed with so much solemnity, nor with so many remarkable occurrences, as it was now, since Israel passed it under Joshua. David, in his afflictive flight, remembered God particularly from the land of Jordan (Ps. 42:6), and now that land, more than any other, was graced with the glories of his return. David's soldiers furnished themselves with accommodations for their passage over this river, but, for his own family, a ferry-boat was sent on purpose, 2 Sam. 19:18. A... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:9

And all the people were at strife through all the tribes of Israel ,.... Excepting the tribe of Judah; they blamed and reproved one another for taking part with Absalom in the rebellion, and especially for their coldness and backwardness in bringing back David to Jerusalem: saying, the king saved us out of the hand of our enemies ; exposed his life to danger, fought our battles for us, and gained us victory over our enemies, and saved us from them, especially those next mentioned: and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:10

And Absalom, whom we anointed over us ,.... To be king; which either was really done by Absalom's party, or in effect by proclaiming and appointing him king: is dead in battle ; which shows the thing was not of God, and by which means they were released from their oath of allegiance to him: now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back ? nobody speaks of it, gives the least hint of it, or shows any concern about it; but the greatest coldness and indifference, as if... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:11

And King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests ,.... Who were at Jerusalem, and in his interest; perhaps by Ahimaaz and Jonathan their sons: saying, speak unto the elders of Judah ; particularly those that were at Jerusalem, with whom they had an interest: saying, why are ye the last to bring back the king to his house ? to his palace at Jerusalem, since David was of their tribe, and was first anointed their king: what might make them the more backward to it was their being... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:12

Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh ,.... Being of the same tribe, and therefore he should deal gently with them, as if they were parts of his body; and not be severe upon them, for the hand they had in the conspiracy, as they might fear: and wherefore then are ye the last to bring the king back ? since they were so nearly related to him, and he so ready to forgive them. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:13

And say ye to Amasa ,.... Who was the general of Absalom's army, and who might fear he should never be pardoned, whoever was, and looked upon his case as desperate; who had led on the army with Absalom against the king's threes, and fought them: art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh ? nearly related to him, being his sister's son: God do so to me, and more also : than he had done to Absalom; or he imprecates the greatest evil upon himself that could be thought of or named: if... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:14

And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man ,.... This the Jewish commentators generally understand of Amasa that he used his interest with the men of Judah, and so wrought upon them, that they agreed as one man to send for the king, and bring him back; but it seems best to understand it of David, who by these gentle methods, kind messages, and affectionate speeches, powerfully inclined and engaged the hearts of the people towards him; so that they were... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:15

So the king returned, and came to Jordan ,.... From Mahanaim thither, which according to Bunting F9 Travels, &c.; p. 142. was twenty eight miles: and Judah came to Gilgal ; that is, the elders, or principal men of the tribe of Judah, came thither; which place, according to the same writer F11 Travels, &c.; p. 142, 143. , was twelve miles from Jerusalem, and four from Jordan; and was the first place the Israelites came to when they passed that river in Joshua's time;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 19:16

And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim ,.... Of whom see 2 Samuel 16:5 , hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David : he took the first opportunity to meet the king, and ask his pardon for his ill treatment of him when he fled from Jerusalem; for, hearing: that Absalom was slain, and the victory was on the side of David, who was returning in triumph, he thought it advisable as soon as possible to make his submission, and entreat forgiveness,... read more

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